I got home at 5:00 pm after hanging out with the boys at Wendy's. My dad was in his bedroom looking for an outfit.
"Blue or black tie?" he asked, holding both ties up.
"Black, and stop worrying, it's just another date," I shrugged.
"Yeah, but this time I'm bringing my no-manners daughter," he retorted.
I shot him a look. My dad, handsome with chestnut hair and green eyes like mine, had me resembling my mother with her curves but possessing her eye color.
We needed to pick up Chelsea at 6:00 pm, and since the restaurant was about forty minutes away, I quickly bathed, got dressed, and borrowed my mom's heels, surprised they fit.
"You look nice, just like your mom," Dad said, with hurt in his eyes.
I glanced at the time—5:55 pm.
"It's time to go, Dad. Get your keys and phone," I said.
"Don't worry; we have a reservation. It's okay to be a little late," he smiled.
Sighing, I stepped out the front door. Luke had texted earlier about dinner with his aunt.
When we arrived at Chelsea's house, everything seemed normal until I saw a guy who looked familiar.
Chelsea, my dad's co-worker with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, opened the door and got in.
She wore a fitted dress that fell just above her knees, while Luke donned black pants and a blue shirt.
As the boy got into the back seat, we locked eyes and said in unison, "You."
I was shocked that Luke was coming to dinner with me.
"Ann, are you okay?" Dad asked.
"Yeah, everything is just fine," I replied, clearly sarcastic.
"Lukey, say hello to Anastasia," Chelsea nudged.
He smirked, "Aunty, I know her already. She's the girl who joined our group."
"Oh, that's lovely! Luke won't be lonely when I date Alvin," she smiled.
Luke rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, Aunty. Stop babying me, please."
Luke lived with his aunt since losing his mother to a heart attack six years ago and his father to suicide the following year. We both carried our losses.
**********
Dad parked in front of the restaurant, and we walked in, quickly seated.
I ordered spaghetti and meatballs—my go-to since childhood.
Chelsea looked shocked. "Where's your salad and water?"
"Salad?" I replied, confused.
Luke sighed. "She's not like other girls who starve themselves; she can eat as much as she wants and still be slim."
I smiled at him while Chelsea sighed, glancing at my dad. We ordered dessert: chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. I even went back for seconds, prompting Luke to smile.
After finishing, the time was already 8:15 pm.
"I'm tired, Alvin. Please take me home, and thanks for dinner," Chelsea yawned.
Dad kissed her on the cheek, making Luke gag, which made me laugh. As we left the restaurant and Dad unlocked the car, I drifted off to sleep during the drive.
I was shaken awake when we arrived home.
"It's been a while since we've watched a movie together; let's do it now," Dad suggested.
We headed to the theater room with popcorn. I settled into my comfy chair and put on my 3D glasses. It had indeed been too long since our last movie night.
"Maybe next time, Chelsea can join and have a girl's night," Dad said.
"Hold your horses; she can come for movie night, but nothing else," I replied, raising my hand.
Dad sighed.
When the movie got funny, we both laughed. I received a message from Justin.
Player: We'll pick you up at 10; don't be late.
Me: Me? Late? Never. Don't you know me at all?
Player: Yes, I know you hate to fail a test.
I smirked and texted back.
Me: It's a nerd thing; get used to it.
Player: 10:00 am, sharp. Don't be late.
Me: Night, tin tin.
Player: Night, Ana.
Dad glanced at me and the screen.
"If you have a boyfriend, I want to meet him before you two date," he said.
I blushed.
"Dad, I don't have one," I sighed.
"Not yet, Ana," he chuckled.
I rolled my eyes.
___________________
YOU ARE READING
Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)
Teen FictionNow available as an audiobook on Wehear, with the first 8 chapters ready for listening. Simply type "Afiya" when you download the app. _____________________ Anastasia Montez is an average teenager, known as the school nerd. Her only friends are her...